About Outdoor Beginner

I’m Laura. A Maryland native who moved to Denver for some adventure and ended up making my home here.

I like camping but not enough to do it without a car parked a few feet away with extra layers and snacks.

I get very excited when I run an under-11-minute mile. That’s basically Usain Bolt time for me.

I’m kind of a scaredy cat. But I’ll give almost anything a try, and want to help you feel comfortable doing the same, no matter what you want to do outside. This blog has trail guides, gear reviews, campground reviews, how-to’s for things like packing a backpack or what to wear hiking, and my personal experience as an outdoor beginner try to make it in a world of experts.

You may see a tall blonde dude in my photos a lot (or least the back of his head…because that’s obviously more ~candid~).

That’s my hubby Billy. He is pretty great for many reasons, but is also the reason I ever tried this whole outdoorsy life to begin with. He taught me how to pitch a tent, how to pick out hiking boots (and why you need them in the first place), and how to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer. Without him, there’s no Outdoor Beginner.

One last thing.

I use affiliate links on this site. I genuinely like and actually own every product I ever put on this blog, and it’s nice to get a liiiiiitle tiny cut. I don’t use affiliate links for anything I don’t own and love myself, and they don’t cost you any extra.

Like this:

Laura,
Just got back from skiing Copper, after skiing Keystone last year and saying it was the last time I was EVER going ski. I have friends who like to ski and are better than me, so I’ve been frustrated I couldn’t even ski on the green slopes. That being said, I googled “easy greens in Colorado” and found your blog. Next thing you know, I’m booking our trip, going up Kokomo, and skiing Roundabout. I skied three days (1/2 days) and never got off Roundabout, but I’m okay with that. At least I’m skiing, stopping and slowing down better, and starting to bring my skis into a parallel form. Thank you so much for your story! I laughed, and it brought tears to my eyes. Reminding me of my previous experience on Schoolmarm, last year, and inspiring me to try again. We’re planning to go again next year.
-Kelly

Oh my gosh, Kelly, you just made my day!! I’m right there with you trying to keep my skis parallel and enjoying the easy stuff! I am SO glad you had a much better experience and that you found my blog. Roundabout is such a good run for getting comfortable, and if you have any additions or updates I should add in the future let me know. Thank you again for taking the time to comment – my day is truly made!!